From forests to the coastline, Maine is a wonderful place to explore. But, it’s not always easy to take an entire weekend to hit the road. Between booking a hotel (though, our B&Bs are lovely!) and all the driving, sometimes it’s nice to simply take an easy, relaxing day trip. We’ve covered some of our favorites over the years, and here are the best of the best!

1. Wiggle your way across the famous Wiggly Bridge in York.
Wiggly Bridge, 57 Barrell Ln Ext, York, ME 03909, USA
Melanie P./TripAdvisor
The Wiggly Bridge connects York Harbor to the wonderful Steedman Woods. As suspension bridges go, the wooden portion spans a teensy 75 feet and when you walk, the entire thing bounces and...you guessed it...wiggles!

Click here for more information and directions from our larger article.
2. Soar through the air at Take Flight Aerial Adventure Park in Kittery.
Take Flight Aerial Adventure Course, 506 Blue Star Memorial Highway, Kittery, ME 03904, USA
Take Flight Aerial Adventure Park/Facebook
If the traditional day trip is just too boring for you, head here! This adventure park will have you flying above the trees and soaring through the air! There are 65 activities and elements at Maine’s largest high ropes aerial adventure challenge course. They're located at 506 US Route 1 in Kittery. Or you can give them a call at: 207-439-883.

Click here for more information and directions from our larger article.
3. Make your way to one of the world's BEST secret beaches - Sand Beach, right here in Maine!
Sand Beach, Ellsworth, ME 04605, USA
Lee Coursey/Flickr
While not secret to Mainers who love it, this beautiful small stretch of beach recently made its way onto the list of best secret beaches in the world. One visit and you'll know why. Head to Acadia National Park to check it out.

Click here for more information and directions from our larger article.
4. Surround yourself with a world of Maine's favorite fruit at Wild Blueberry Land in Columbia Falls.
Wild Blueberry Land, 1067 US-1, Columbia Falls, ME 04623, USA
Bryan Bruchman/Flickr
Maine is known for wild blueberries, but we argue that perhaps it should actually be known for this spot. A lovely store located just off the road, a visit here will entice you to walk away with blueberry pies, blueberry candy, blueberry souvenirs and perhaps best of all, some epic blueberry memories! They're located at 1067 US Highway 1, Columbia Falls, Maine 04623. Give them a call on 207-483-2583.

Click here for more information and directions from our larger article.
5. Find yourself in a fairy wonderland at this mystical village at Mackworth Island.
Mackworth Island, Falmouth, ME, USA
The Bywaters / Flickr
This fairy village is hiding along the path that circles Mackworth Island, located in Casco Bay. It's a fun day trip even if fairies aren't your thing, but if you do happen to see any don't worry! Just help them build a home and move along your way.

Click here for more information and directions from our larger article.

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6. Marvel at nature's geological wonders with a hike to The Bubbles in Acadia National Park.
Acadia National Park Pond, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
James Walsh/Flickr
This rock teeters on the brink of falling over the ledge. Except...it doesn't. And it hasn't for millions of years. It's odd, but the hike to reach it is one of the best in Maine!

Click here for more information and directions from our larger article.
7. Stroll the lush landscape at The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden in Seal Harbor.
Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden, Peabody Dr, Seal Harbor, ME 04675, USA
JR P/Flickr
You'll have to plan this day trip very carefully as it's only open to the public one day a year. The private garden was built in the 1920s and features a stunning mix of both eastern and western landscapes. If you'd like to get a coveted spot for a visit you'll need to do so by registering for a time slot.

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8. Explore Maine moose with Northeast Whitewater in Shirley Mills.
155 Greenville Rd, Shirley Mills, ME 04485, USA
Northeast Whitewater/Facebook
If you love adventuring in Maine and spotting our native wildlife, this is the trip for you! Head here to sign up for a Maine Moose Tours, private Maine Moose Safaris and Maine Wildlife Tours, allowing visitors to see moose on foot, by van or by canoe. They’re located at 155 Greenville Road in Shirley Mills and you can call them for a reservation at (207) 695-0151.

Click here for more information and directions from our larger article.
9. Soak up one of Maine's BEST small towns - Norway.
Norway, ME 04268, USA
Norway Brewing Company/Facebook
We challenge you to drive through this adorable town and not stop! While many people see it on their drive to camps in Western Maine, we think it's worthy of being an actual destination. Between having one of Maine's best breweries and offering some pretty great nature, you'll have a great time even if just for a day!

Click here for more information and directions from our larger article.
10. Explore native wildlife at Maine Wildlife Park in Gray.
Maine Wildlife Park Way, Gray, ME 04039, USA
Maine Wildlife Park/Facebook
Maine is a great place to see an albino peacock! Didn't know that? Perhaps it's because you haven't yet made a trip to this exciting park! From the native moose to the loon, a day trip here will introduce you to some of the most fun flora and fauna found in the state! They're located at 56 Game Farm Road in Gray. You can give them a call at: (207) 657-4977.

Click here for more information and directions from our larger article.

If you do happen to have the time for a full-fledged weekend road trip, we suggest this one that follows all the best spots to get a lobster roll in Maine! What do you think? Tell us about your favorite day trip destinations in the comments!

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Day Trips Near Me in Maine

Tori Jane | September 07, 2021

What are the best beaches in Maine?  

Maine is a coastal state, and you know what that means: BEACHES! That’s right, only one of the best natural wonders to have nearby. Maine might be a pretty small state, but it has plentiful beaches that feel like some kind of pristine paradise. Some of our favorites include Kennebunk Beach, otherwise known as Mother’s Beach, where you can dig your toes into the sand and listen to the tide come in and go out. Sand Beach at Acadia National Park is simply breathtaking, and you’ll want to get as many photos of this picturesque landscape as you can. Even better still are the incredible hiking trails around Sand Beach, so make sure to bring good shoes! Finally (okay, not literally finally, but finally for this list) there’s the pristine Qgunquit Beach, which means beautiful place by the sea. 

What are some unique attractions in Maine?  

While in Maine you might feel a little overwhelmed by all the stuff there is to do, and it can be easy to tune out once you feel like there’s too much information coming in. One of the best ways to combat that, in our opinion, is by visiting the more offbeat attractions that you’ll find fewer people visiting on any given day. Some of our favorite eclectic and/or unique attractions in Maine include the adorable (but strange) little shop known as Wild Blueberry Land, which is usually open in the summer. We also love checking out the Old Sow Whirlpool, which is as dizzyingly intriguing as it sounds. On Mackworth Island, you’ll find a fairy village (seriously). Check out more of our favorite unique things to do in Maine in this list.  

Where can I go on scenic day trips in Maine? 

Maine is a wonderful state with so much to see. It’s easy to plan a day trip in this fabulous little place. Kill an entire day on any of Maine’s stunning beaches (of which there are a good-sized handful) like Wells Beach, Crescent Beach, or Old Orchard Beach. Maine’s state and/or national parks are also an excellent idea, and there’s no shortage of planning to do – after all, there’s 32 state parks and four national parks sites throughout this amazing little state! You could make a day out of driving any of Maine’s picturesque scenic highways and byways, and some towns, like Camden or Cutler, are also perfect for spending a whole day (or longer). The possibilities are only as limited as your imagination, and the best part is that there’s no wrong answer!  

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